“Your rent is due on the first of the month. There are no exceptions.”
Laura stood in the open doorway, facing her landlord, Jerry Hines, a middle-aged single guy with a solid build. He was tall and a little on the rough side at times, which made him somewhat good looking, but he could be a hard nose. He’d raised her rent only once, and she knew it was more than he was legally allowed, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. She knew if she complained too hard or at all she’d find herself tossed onto the street on her ass, and no one would step in and help her.
“I know, Mister Hines. I am a few days late, but I lost my job, and my boss didn’t give me my last paycheck. I’m looking for another one. If you could just give me a few more days…”
He cut her off. “ No, cash now. Do you or
